Abstract
Myths, folklore and oral traditions tell us stories and instil moral lessons from our pasts. They are transferred down the generations by songs, riddles, teachings and story telling, and strongly influence social behaviour and social hierarchies. By examining some myths and oral traditions, as expressed within the context of customary lore concerning women, their behaviour and roles within their communities, this paper seeks to show the power that those oral traditions had on colonial government policy.
The paper analyses the ways in which the colonial government came to rely on myths and oral traditions in formulating laws about women. However, because these myths could be used by male elders to further their own agendas, such as land ownership and use, it raises important questions about the very basis for decision-making by the modern Kenyan state pertaining to women’s agency.
The paper analyses the ways in which the colonial government came to rely on myths and oral traditions in formulating laws about women. However, because these myths could be used by male elders to further their own agendas, such as land ownership and use, it raises important questions about the very basis for decision-making by the modern Kenyan state pertaining to women’s agency.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 36-37 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | 2012 International Development Conference: Integrating Research, Policy and Practice - University of Auckland, Auckland , New Zealand Duration: 3 Dec 2012 → 5 Dec 2012 https://devnet.org.nz/devnet-2012/ |
Conference
| Conference | 2012 International Development Conference: Integrating Research, Policy and Practice |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | New Zealand |
| City | Auckland |
| Period | 3/12/12 → 5/12/12 |
| Internet address |
